Uttarakhand High Court Rebukes State Government Over Shifting Engineering College The Uttarakhand High Court has criticized the state government for its proposal to relocate the Nanhi Pari Seemant Engineering College in Pithoragarh, despite already investing Rs 14 crore in its construction. The government’s reason for this move was the perceived “threat of subsidence.”
Court Questions Expenditure on Engineering College During a public interest litigation hearing, the double bench comprising acting Chief Justice Manoj Tiwari and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal questioned the secretary of the technical education department, asking, “What about the money already spent?” The court also directed the government to submit an affidavit within 10 days regarding the matter.
Geological Report Highlights Safety Concerns The government’s decision to shift the engineering college was based on a geological report indicating that the area was unsafe due to the possibility of land subsidence. The report was submitted to the secretary of technical education, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh Nirman Nigam, citing the failure to construct a necessary retaining wall by the UP agency.
UP Nirman Nigam’s Role in College Construction The construction agency, UP Nirman Nigam, a government body, had already spent Rs 14 crore on building the college in Madadhura, Pithoragarh district, in the state’s Kumaon division. A significant portion of the college’s land was donated by local villagers.
Concerns Over Public Funds Expenditure The petitioner in the case raised concerns about the government’s decision to relocate the college after constructing a substantial building, stating, “It would not be appropriate to find a new space for the college after spending such a huge amount from government funds.”
College History and Location Construction of the engineering college began in 2014, with the admission of the first batch the same year. Classes have been conducted at the Government Inter College premises, approximately 10 kilometres away from the under-construction engineering college building.
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